HC Deb 22 May 1931 vol 252 cc2383-4
2. Mr. HANNON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the total value of contracts recently placed by the victualling department of the Admiralty for the supply of meat to the Fleet and to shore establishments; and whether preference was given to meat offered from Overseas Dominions as against foreign countries?

Mr. ALEXANDER

Contracts for meat are constantly being placed by the Admiralty. In only one recent instance has meat of foreign origin been purchased—namely, a contract for corned beef. The total value of the contract placed was approximately £22,000, and the additional cost which would have been involved in taking Dominion beef Was too large to justify placing the order with the Dominion packers.

Mr. HANNON

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what was the actual difference in the tenders?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I do not think I am called upon to do that. The difference was far too large.

Mr. HANNON

What general policy do the Admiralty pursue in accepting tenders in these circumstances? Do they definitely give preference to Dominion supplies?

Mr. ALEXANDER

All other things being equal, such as continuity of supplies, date of delivery and quality of goods, if there is only a small margin between the foreign price and the Dominion or Home price, we give the preference to the Dominion or Home tender, but in this case the margin was far too large, and I could not possibly mulct the taxpayer with the difference.

Mr. HANNON

Can we know the margin of difference?